Turning Stone officials lobby PGA Tour for better date

Vernon – The Turning Stone Resort Championship will be on the PGA Tour’s 2010 schedule, but the big question is when in 2010.

Oneida Nation CEO Ray Halbritter said Thursday that he has had discussions with PGA Tour officials about securing a different date on the PGA schedule in the hopes of avoiding the wet, dreary weather that has put a damper on the tournament for the past two years.

"We’ve actually had some discussions for a while now,’’ Halbritter said, "but we’re beginning a little more in earnest.’’

Halbritter said he met with Rick George, the PGA Tour’s chief of operations, earlier this week. He also has had talks with PGA commissioner Tim Finchem.

"Rick George was here a couple days ago and we had a chance to sit down and talk,’’ Halbritter said. "I’ve talked to Commissioner Finchem. We’ve had those discussions and we’re going to have some more. I think I can remain optimistic.’’

The inaugural Turning Stone Resort Championship was held Sept. 20-23, 2007, with sunny skies, balmy temperatures and big galleries. Last year’s event was moved to Oct. 2-5 and the weather worsened. The week even included a rogue hail-storm. Rain has been the theme of this year’s tournament, although better weather is forecast for the weekend.

"We’ve got the experience now,’’ Halbritter said. "The PGA is very happy with how the tournament is running. Obviously, the weather is an issue. So we’ll continue to have discussions. That prompts further discussions.’’

Halbritter said the PGA officials seem to be listening.

"They’re receptive to these discussions, which I consider to be a good sign,’’ Halbritter said. "There’s not an issue about performance. Not an issue about the course or the quality of the product we’re delivering in terms of the tournament, the organization and the operations of a tournament. Now, it’s an issue of a date issue.’’

Halbritter believes the high praise the Turning Stone Resort Championship has received from the players despite two consecutive years of poor weather conditions is a big reason to reward the tournament with a better date.

"This field is the best field we’ve had,’’ Halbritter said. "And I was surprised because I thought last year (with its freezing rain and bone-chilling temperatures) was going to scare everybody south of the Mason-Dixon Line out of here. But I talked to Dustin (Johnson), who’s from Columbia, South Carolina, and he said he doesn’t mind the cold or the wet. Not a problem. These are professionals. This is what they do. This is their job. This is the way it is.

"But on the other hand, I want a pleasant experience for the people who come here and watch the pros,’’ he added. "Of course, the weather is an issue we can’t control. We can control most things, but not the weather.’’

The contract between the PGA and the Oneida Nation is reportedly a four-year deal with a two-year option. With shaky sponsorship putting several of the PGA’s tournaments in financial limbo, it would seem to be a good time for the Turning Stone Resort Championship to make a move on the PGA calendar.

"I think the discussions are going to move along at a reasonable pace because the (2010) schedule has to be announced here soon,’’ Halbritter said. "I’m hoping that we’ll know something in the next few months if not sooner.’’